Aug. 9, 2017 (Davenport, Iowa) – Starting Aug. 19, Putnam visitors will be able to interact in real-time with amazing 3D characters and animals and “touch the untouchable” as part of the region’s first augmented reality experience.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring the first augmented reality experience to the Quad Cities,” said Kim Findlay, president and CEO of the Putnam. “This is a completely new way for our guests to become inspired by the world around us! In our first adventure, augmented reality explorers will be able to go eye to eye with an elephant, pet a polar bear and dance with penguins.”

Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with the user's environment in real time. Augmented reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it to create a photo-real 3D experience.

The Putnam’s first augmented reality adventure, “Air, Land & Sea,” is centered around a dynamic, ever-changing watering hole that allows visitors to meet a diverse range of animals from Africa to the Arctic as they graze, drink and interact with the environment around them.

The experience is first come, first served. Once the adventure is complete, visitors will be emailed a printed photo and social media ready video they can share with their friends and family.

As part of the augmented reality experience, the Putnam will bring additional adventures to the community in the future. These will include space adventures and the chance to experience photo-realistic dinosaurs.

“The augmented reality experience is part of the Science Center,” says Findlay. “Periodically throughout the year, new adventures will replace ‘Air, Land & Sea’ – and that means that in augmented reality at the Putnam, there will always be something new and exciting around the corner!”

The Putnam’s augmented reality experience is sponsored by the Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA). “Air, Land & Sea” is presented by Arconic.

Putnam visitors will be able to experience “Air, Land & Sea” as part of general admission. Members receive free general admission.

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About the Putnam

The Putnam has been inspiring ideas, dialogue and interaction among people of all ages for 150 years. And today, we’re better than ever with hands-on fun for the whole family. Launch rockets, climb into a tree house in Black Earth | Big River or go back in time to see our region’s history in River, Prairie and People. Also experience internationally recognized traveling exhibits or take in a movie in our National Geographic Giant Screen Theater with a screen towering six stories tall. Our welcoming team is dedicated to helping you discover and explore in a friendly and engaging place.

For more information about current and upcoming events, exhibits and movies, visit putnam.org.